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my health and just the kind of quiet liveliness that is best for me. And I am never, never wearied by giving advice." |
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That time Lady Ela's lips twitched with amusement, and Alinor was betrayed into another giggle. However, both returned immediately to practicalities. On the subject of when to bow, what form of address to use, and similar matters, Lady Ela's advice was clear and direct. She spoke directly, too, of the queen's exquisite beauty and how great a pleasure it was to tell Isabella how lovely she looked and how well her clothes and jewels became her. It was never necessary to lie or force a compliment, for the queen's taste was excellent, and the king was very generous in supplying his wife with any adornment she desired. |
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Constant flattery was necessary, Alinor noted mentally, interpreting Lady Ela's complimentary remarks quite correctly. |
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"The only thing I find distasteful, and that is my fault, is that the queen's ladies are so much interested in the affairs of the realm. The queen is in no way to blame for it. To her credit, she does not listen to such talk and grows quite cross with the ladies when they wander from the more important subjects of clothes and jewels. I cannot but help agree with Isabella. It makes my heart beat much too hard to talk of those matters that are more fitted to menfolk." The whine in Lady Ela's voice was particularly pronounced. "Those foolish women think it a mark of a husband's or lover's affection that he have a loose tongue and tell them all his business. If that is true, I must be sure that William loves me dearly despite his lack of consideration of my feeble health. He is always wanting to speak of such matters to me, but I cannot bear it. It makes my breath catch and my head ache, and the dizziness behind my eyes becomes so great that I must send him away and lie down." |
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"How fortunate you are," Alinor murmured dulcetly, "both in your husband's affection and in the afflictions |
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